For the most part of the hike, we walk on difficult terrain, on stones, on slush, we overcome ups and downs, and we have a heavy backpack with equipment on our backs. And this is a huge load on the knees, ankle joints, and back.
To reduce this burden, wooden pegs were used in the past, and today trekking poles are used. It is with their help that you can minimize the load on the joints.
In addition, hiking poles allow you to keep your balance on difficult sections, and it is more convenient to walk along a narrow path with them.
Who needs trekking poles?
Today, it is difficult to imagine a tourist without trekking poles. But they are used not only in the mountains.
During running, a leisurely walk in the mountains or a serious climb, we need support and support. Trekking poles can be used whenever such a need arises. Therefore, manufacturers have developed different types for different tasks.
Today, models are distinguished by purpose:
- Trekking ones are used in hiking. They help to relieve the knees, and the weight of the backpack is partially transferred through the hands to the sticks. On difficult sections, when you need to keep your balance (a narrow path, a bridge, a river with a strong current), sticks help you not to fall. For convenient transportation, hiking models have a complex design, reliable fixation with locks. They withstand heavy loads, some of the options can serve as an ice ax in the winter mountains to "chop" on easy slopes. One of these will be the Black Diamond Trail Pro poles from the American brand, they are strong enough to withstand such loads.
- Running poles are used during mountain races, trail running, mountain marathons. Their main feature is minimal weight. Can be complex (Black Diamond Distance Z) or non-adjustable (Black Diamond Distance Carbon Running). Sometimes they are used by light walkers for easy hikes. But due to the impossibility of adjusting their length, they can be inconvenient during transportation.
- Nordic walking poles are a must-have accessory for Nordic walking training. When we just walk, our shoulder girdle is practically not involved, so the muscles do not take part in the movement. Sticks make it possible to connect a larger number of muscles, the shoulders, trunk, arms are connected to the movement. Nordic walking training takes place on flat terrain, which means that the stick is not loaded, so strength is not a key factor in the choice. Here it is important to choose the right tip, a comfortable lanyard, so we recommend paying attention to Silva EX-Pole Alu Adjustable, their convenient lanyard will definitely fit comfortably on the wrist. Models for Nordic walking are often complex. You can buy poles for Nordic walking in travel or sports stores.
Elements of a trekking stick
Despite the variety of models by purpose, they all have approximately the same structure. The main elements are the case, tip, handle, lanyard. And before buying trekking poles, it is important to understand these details.
Body materials
The body of the stick is its base. It is on the body that all the main load falls during walking. Leaning on it, we thereby transfer part of the weight from the legs and shoulders to the stick, and it must withstand these loads without deformation and breakage.
Today, light types of metals are used for the production of the case:
- Aluminum is a light, practical metal. It is most often used for classic hiking models, where strength and reliability are important. In terms of weight, it loses to carbon, but at the same time it is not afraid of deformations and shocks. A bent stick can be "repaired" directly in the conditions of the hike. Both budget options and middle and high price segments are made of aluminum. Global brands Pinguin, Silva and Black Diamond use aluminum as the main material for most of their models.
- Carbon or carbon fiber is characterized by a very low weight of the product. Average carbon hiking poles weigh about 320-350 grams. Most often, running models are made of carbon, but there are also options for mountains, for example, Pinguin Carbon FL Foam. Among the shortcomings, it is worth highlighting insufficient resistance to point impacts; carbon models are not recommended for overweight people.
To lighten the design, manufacturers also lighten the tube from which the stick is made. They reduce the thickness of the wall, which can be reflected in its smallness. In order to reduce weight, the Pinguin company combines tubes of different diameters and different wall thicknesses. Thanks to this, their products are strong and reliable.
Tip materials
At the end of the stick, the base material is protected by a tip. Most often, it is made of very strong metals and alloys. After all, the main load and friction falls on him, he touches the surface of the path with every step.
For the production of the tip, high-carbon steel is used in budget models, but most often tungsten carbide. According to the Mohs scale, its strength is 8.5-9.0, it is almost like a diamond. This material is strong, not afraid of intensive use.
And to reduce its wear and tear, special nozzles on the stick are also used. You can often see them in Scandinavian walking fans, they put them on the tip so that the sticks lie on the surface at a comfortable angle. You can buy replacement tips for trekking poles in specialized stores.
Handle materials
The main task of the pen is to lie comfortably in the hand, not to rub calluses while moving. For this, manufacturers choose strong wear-resistant materials:
- Cork is an expensive, but very pleasant to the touch material. Among the pluses is ergonomics, such a handle will be comfortable both in hot summer and in cold winter, the material does not rub due to its structure, it seems to adjust to the lines of the palms. Among the disadvantages is care. The hygroscopic structure of the crust absorbs moisture, sweat, and dirt. After each use, it is advisable to wash such a pen well, otherwise it can get a hard crust. The cork is used for trekking, running and Nordic poles.
- Plastic is an available, cheap material that is most often used for budget models. The undoubted advantage of such pens is their durability. Plastic does not absorb moisture, dust, or sweat. It's easy to care for - just wipe with a damp cloth. But it is important to try handles of different shapes before buying, how comfortably they fit in the palm, the curves should be as comfortable as possible.
- Rubber is a material that can be found in budget brands. She showed herself well in terms of strength and wear resistance, but at the same time she often rubs her hands. Like plastic, it does not absorb moisture and dust.
- EVA foam or polyurethane foam is the most popular material for handles. It is practical, comfortable in the hand, does not rub, removes moisture, but at the same time does not accumulate sweat and dust. It is easy to clean.
Another point when choosing a pen is its length. Manufacturers specially make it slightly elongated so that it can be easily intercepted at the right moment.
Peculiarities of the structure of the lanyard
Temlyak is a fabric loop that is put on the wrist. Allows you to fix and not lose the stick when crossing a difficult area or intercepting the height of the stick.
Slings of different widths are used for production. For convenience, an insert made of soft fabric is sewn on the inner side. In this way, it is possible to avoid chafing and irritation on the skin. Straps from Black Diamond and Pinguin are distinguished by a comfortable fit and softness on the wrist, and Silva additionally uses reflective elements on the outer side of the strap, so it is possible not to lose the stick in the dark.
Locks for trekking poles
The basis of trekking poles is several tubes, and in order for them to be securely connected to each other, manufacturers use locks. This is a special type of clamps that reliably fix the links between each other.
The most popular are:
- Fast – fast lock located on the outer side of the stick. It squeezes the outer tube around the inner tube. Some manufacturers, for example, Black Diamond, have improved the ready-made lock, which now prevents accidental opening. It is called FlickLock and its newer version is called FlickLock Pro.
- Twist is also known as a screw. The links are fixed from the inside. A plastic sleeve expands the inner tube relative to the outer tube. Thanks to this design, the sticks are not weighed down by the weight of the locks, but can be inconvenient when you need to adjust the length in rainy weather or in frost.
Types of structures of trekking poles
Poles for hiking, running and even Nordic walking have a complex design. This facilitates their transportation, storage, and makes it possible to adjust the sticks according to the height of the person and the situation. After all, even on the same route, a person uses one length on the way up, and another on the way down.
According to the type of construction, sticks are distinguished:
- Telescopic. They consist of several tubes of different diameters, due to this, by inserting them into each other, the total length of the stick is formed. This design allows you to adjust the length, depending on the conditions of use. Black Diamond Trail telescopic poles withstand intensive loads and aggressive conditions of use.
- Non-adjustable - the lightest of all options, consisting of one solid tube. They are used for hiking, cross-country running. Black Diamond Distance Carbon Running are non-adjustable running poles that are made of lightweight carbon.
- Sectional or Z-shaped. Tubes of the same diameter are connected to each other by means of a cable passing inside. The most compact type of sticks, chosen by those who care about the volume of equipment. Among the disadvantages of such models - there is no possibility to adjust the length. Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z is an excellent solution if you value compactness and reliability, and their cork handle will not leave anyone indifferent.
- Combined – it can combine two types of link connections. Thanks to this, the sticks can be folded as compactly as possible, while still being able to adjust the length.
Before you buy trekking poles for hiking or running, pay attention to them:
- Size;
- Complete set;
- Availability of anti-shock.
In addition, the manufacturer plays an important role. Carbon sticks from an unknown brand may not be the most reliable purchase, it is better to give preference to proven manufacturers, because sticks are not just an accessory for the mountains, they are your support and support in a difficult moment.
Wholesale company SMG offers hiking, running and Nordic walking poles from brands such as Pinguin, Silva and Black Diamond.